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Wednesday, August 4, 2010

I can't tell you how many times I've stood in the middle of my kitchen, scratching my head, asking myself that question over and over.

You're heading to friend's house for dinner, and you've offered to bring something. But, you brought dessert last time, you know she's got the meal covered, and since you just weren't sure what else to offer, at the first mention of the invite, you blurted out, "I could bring an appetizer."

My little sister introduced me to this very Southern recipe at my baby shower a few weeks ago. Days later, I was sitting on the sofa wishing I had nothing more than a box of round, buttery crackers and this cheese ball on my lap.

The combination of flavors just comes together in this perfect little ball o' goodness. The cream cheese, onions and pepper, and pecans pair perfectly with the sweetness of the pineapple. It's surprising and different and just incredibly good.

So, next time you offer to bring something along, offer to bring this Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball.

Combine cream cheese, onion, red bell pepper, pineapple and 3/4 cup of pecans in a bowl and mash together until smooth. Put in refrigerator and chill. Take out and shape into a ball; roll in remaining 3/4 cup pecans. Serve with crackers.

*This recipe makes one large cheese ball or 2 small cheese balls.

*If making at Christmas time, use green and red pepper to create a festive version perfect for the holidays.